The French GP reveals itself a little more

The press kit for the French Grand Prix which will be contested in 2018 on the Circuit Paul-Ricard in Le Castellet (Var) allowed us to learn a little more about the return of the discipline to France for the first time since 2008 (when Magny-Cours still hosted the event).

Jean Alesi, ambassador and advisor to the Circuit Paul-Ricard, discussed the changes made to the route which will be used for the Grand Prix.

“At 5,8km, the Circuit Paul-Ricard route defined to host the 2018 French Grand Prix is ​​one of the longest on the calendar, recalls Jean Alesi. The track will be widened at the entrance or exit, sometimes both, to the S of la Verrerie, at the Camp bend, and at the end of the 3rd sector at the Virage du pont. The objective is to offer space for braking and restarting, therefore different trajectories for a better fluidity/overtaking ratio. »

“At La Verrerie, the corner of the entrance to the section will be significantly closed in order to assert braking at the end of the pit straight. the chicane which will intersect the Mistral straight will offer superb overtaking opportunities and gives a certain character to the route with a configuration of three straight lines. The sequences of turns are varied, the pace will be interesting, and the cars will evolve in a medium aero configuration”, specifies Jean Alesi.

The ticket office will open from mid-November. The Public Interest Group will benefit from subsidies amounting to 14 million euros for a total cost estimated at 30 million euros. Based on the results of the Spanish GP in Barcelona, ​​where more than 20 French people make the trip each year, the GIP estimates that the primary economic impact could reach 000 million euros and 38 million for the region.

Christian Estrosi, the president of the GIP, returned to the negotiations carried out with Bernie Ecclestone, the former director of the FOM, before the signing of the agreement.

“At the end of 2016, our team had its first meeting with Bernie Ecclestone, in Switzerland, at the FIA ​​premises, remembers Christian Estrosi. Bernie Ecclestone had not hidden his reservations against us until then. Following the various past failures to organize a French GP, we had to prove to him the seriousness of our file. He was honest and direct. Like me. The outcome of this first meeting was positive... Initially, Bernie Ecclestone recommended a contract for three years, we wanted five. Finally, on February 6, 2017, the signing of the contract… took place at the Circuit Paul-Ricard. »